Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. H Contact online >>
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He''s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.
For everything from small tech gadgets to full-blown kitchen appliances, these will keep you powered up for days.
Jackery''s wildly popular Power Station Explorer 500 is arguably the "gateway drug" for most power enthusiasts looking for their first solar generator or portable power bank. It boasts a solid, 518Wh capacity and a 500W output (with a 1,000-watt surge capacity)—sufficient for keeping most average car campers going for a weekend away. It''s the perfect balance of capacity, peak output, port selection, and price. At 13 pounds and roughly the size of a basketball, it''s ideal for everything from car camping to picnics to days at the beach.
We''ve personally tested several Jackery solar generators and the build quality and durability are industry-leading. They really do live up to the hype. So, too, does the Explorer 500—a model we''ve used more than perhaps any other on the market. After years of use (and abuse) for everything from car camping to RV''ing for weeks on end, it''s held up incredibly well. As long as the battery is maintained (topped up or recharged every 3-6 months), this generator will last for many years.
That said, this solar generator is starting to show its age. It still relies on older lithium-ion battery tech (which has been eclipsed by superior LiFePO4 batteries) and the lack of any USB-C ports are a clear sign that this is a dated model. The fixed (i.e., non-retractable) handle also means it''s not stackable, which seems like a frustrating oversight. Still, at around $400, we think it''s a great buy, especially given the Jackery moniker.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 7,500 Amazon reviews, 94% recommend the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 Solar Generator with at least a 4-star rating.
Judy Power''s 1000W/1280Wh Portable Power Station offers a generous 1,280Wh capacity—enough for car campers who regularly venture out with plenty of tech in tow. For home backup purposes, it''ll keep most laptops going for at least 12 hours or a heated blanket nice and toasty overnight. The LiFePO4 battery technology is a step up from traditional lithium-ion batteries, promising a longer shelf life and better safety. This fact alone justifies the roughly $1,000 price tag (although it''s frequently on sale for several hundred dollars less).
Although it might not be everybody''s cup of matcha, we think the bright, in-your-face safety orange shell looks cool too. It''s a fun and welcome departure from the typical, "utilitarian survivalist/prepper chic" design of most solar generators we''ve tested.
The 1,280WH LiFePO4 battery is capable of powering most small to mid-sized home electronics and appliances. The number and selection of ports on this solar generator is solid, including all the standards like USB-C, USB-A, 12V cigarette lighter, and traditional AC, so you can plug just about anything into it.
Given its power-to-price ratio, we''re hard-pressed to find much to complain about. The case feels well-built, but more like a premium home electronic than a rugged "grab-and-go" overlander-friendly solar generator.
What do buyers say? "Have tested the power station, works well, I''m sure I''ll own it for years to come, I''m a happy camper!" said one Judy reviewer.
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Another great portable power solution in the Anker line-up, the Anker 535 is a solid mid-sized option with more than 500Wh of juice. This, too, hits the sweet spot between portability and capacity. It''s built to go the distance with a LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery, and a good selection of ports, including four standard AC ports. A power-saving switch helps preserve battery life even more.
The case is extremely well-made and is, in fact, one of the few solar generators we''ve tested with an advertised drop-proof construction. We especially love the built-in LED "flashlight" and bright, easy-to-read smart display that relays all the station''s pertinent info at a glance. The screen is among the best and most intuitive on the market.
Many buyers also comment on Anker''s incredible customer service. This model, like many of its solar generators, is billed to last for up to a decade and comes with a five-year full device warranty too. So, it''s clear the company stands behind its products. Given its next-gen tech, ultra-rugged construction, and high-end design, we think it''s well worth the roughly $500 price tag.
What do buyers say? "Power Station works absolutely fantastic and as intended," said one Amazon reviewer.
For most, overlanding means going off-grid for extended periods with a carload of tech and the best camping essentials. A lot of that gadgetry requires serious power, and Goal Zero''s Yeti 1500X is the perfect accompaniment. It''s a beast at more than 45 pounds. But that heft comes courtesy of a massive 1,500Wh lithium battery with enough juice to keep most overlanders going off-grid for up to a week. Add 100-200 watts of solar panel power or more, and it''s possible to extend your adventure indefinitely.
We love the aluminum-reinforced shell that keeps the entire setup well-protected. It feels and is more rugged than most others typically built using a plastic composite. So, it''s designed to take a beating. We''ve used ours for more than a year, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
The LG-brand battery cells (among the best in the industry) are also built to last for years. Although, we do wish they were LiFePO4 rather than traditional lithium-ion. It''s slower to recharge than most, requiring nearly 14 hours from a standard wall outlet. Although, we''ve used Goal Zero''s optional 600W Power Supply to cut that down to a little over three hours.
This solar generator offers a good mix of ports for car campers and overlanders, too, including USB-C, USB-A, 12V (car-style), and standard AC.
Although it''s pricey at over $1,800 delivered, it''s a great option for hardcore overlanders and campers looking to spend weeks or more off-grid.
What do buyers say? "Works great I was able to quickly hook up and use it without problems. Very nicely put together," said one Amazon reviewer.
UGREEN is a newcomer to the portable power station space, but we''re already loving its PowerRoam 1200 Power Station. Unlike many of the newer "me-too" alternatives, this model feels like a solid product. The design is sleek and simple, and we love the easy-to-read screen that displays all of the unit''s essential info.
It''s reasonably compact and lightweight (around 25 pounds) for its size. Although, while the fixed top handle feels solid and makes for easy carrying, we wish it was retractable or flush-mount for easier stacking.
It boasts a solid port selection—13 total, including USB-C (100W), USB-A, and a standard "automotive cigarette lighter"-style 12V port, too. What we especially love are the six AC ports. That''s more than most solar generator with this capacity, and the fact that they''re on the side of the unit (away from all of the other ports) makes for easier cord management when there are a ton of gadgets plugged in simultaneously.
It''s well-priced at just under $1,000. UGREEN also sells its own well-built 100W-200W solar panels, which we''ve also tested and can strongly recommend.
What do buyers say? "Looks very good, loads really fast and what is crucial for me - relatively light and with app control," said one Ugreen reviewer.
Anker''s flagship solar generator is big, beefy, and seriously capable. It''s among the largest we''ve ever tested, and indeed one of the largest on the market, period. With a 2,048Wh capacity and the option to double that capacity with an equally sized battery pack (for a whopping 4,096Wh total capacity!), it''s able to power just about anything you can throw at it. It''s well-suited for powering all your essential appliances and tech gadgets for home backup purposes and even better for keeping campers going off-grid. Via a standard wall outlet, it fast-charges to up to 80% capacity in under an hour and to fully charged in about two hours. Plus, it''s compatible with Anker''s large 200W solar panels.
We''ve long been fans of Anker''s batteries, and the 767 is no exception. The built-in LiFePO4 battery tech is far superior to traditional lithium-ion cells. Anker claims up to 3,000 discharges before its batteries reach 80% health—up to six times longer than lithium-ion alternatives.
What truly sets this solar generator apart from most others is the number and variety of ports, including standard AC outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, and "cigarette lighter"-style ports. Plus, there''s even a 30-amp TT port for plugging in an RV. We tested this with a simulated blackout on a small travel trailer, and the 767 kept everything (except the camper''s air conditioner) humming for hours without a hitch.
We couldn''t find much to complain about with the PowerHouse 767. The only downsides are two that you might expect. The list price is more than $2,000 (although it''s frequently on sale). It''s also heavy, tipping the scales at nearly 70 pounds. Thankfully, the "suitcase" design includes a telescoping handle and two good-sized wheels to make transporting it a little easier.
What do buyers say? "Very well made, charges fast on 120V. This thing is everything that it promises to be," said one Amazon reviewer.
Bluetti has long Straight out of the box, the AC200MAX feels like a high-quality piece of tech. The housing is solid, well-made, and it''s clear that a lot of thought went into the design en a favorite of ours and of off-grid living enthusiasts. Its flagship AC200MAX is one of the largest portable power stations on the market. The 62-lb heft comes thanks to a beefy 2,048-Wh LiFePO4 battery (and the ability to daisy-chain additional batteries for a whopping 8,192Wh maximum capacity). Coupled with a 2,200-watt inverter and 16 total ports, it''ll run just about any 110-volt household electronic (we''re talking hairdryers, blenders, power tools, and more).
Straight out of the box, the AC200MAX feels like a high-quality piece of tech. The housing is solid, well-made, and it''s clear that a lot of thought went into the design.
Like the Anker PowerHouse 767, what truly sets it apart is the integrated 30A DC port for directly powering a travel trailer or small RV. It''s one of only a few solar generators available with this feature. While it won''t power an RV indefinitely, it''s great for backup situations or in instances where you might be "dry camping" (camping with no utilities) for a few days at a time. With a 1,400-watt input capacity, it also recharges in no time either from a wall outlet or a sizable array of solar panels.
Not surprisingly, it''s heavy (more than 60 pounds) and expensive. Frankly, it''s probably overkill for all but the most hardcore overlanders and RVers. But, for anyone looking for massive capacity (and the ability to add even more), and for whom money is no object, this is arguably the best solar generator available right now.
What do buyers say? "This thing is awesome! I''ll add another battery eventually. High quality, and still a manageable weight for lifting," said one HomeDepot reviewer
EcoFlow''s DELTA mini delivers a steady 1,400W stream, capable of powering the vast majority of home and portable electronics. With a 1,800-watt peak capacity, it''s even beefy enough to handle power-hungry things like table saws, toasters, and hair dryers. EcoFlow''s proprietary X-Stream technology also allows it to charge from zero to full in just 1.6 hours. That''s up to four times faster than other similarly equipped power stations.
Based on its price and roughly 900Wh capacity, this model is a good middle-ground for campers looking for something more than the 500Wh of many entry-level solar generators, but who don''t necessarily need 1,500Wh or more.
In the year that we''ve spent with ours, we can attest that the durability is rock-solid—tough enough for home emergencies or transporting on your next cross-country overland trek. We also like the handle placement of this model. It "hangs" off the top corner, making it easy to access and wrangle the unit''s heft, while keeping the top clear for stacking or placing other electronics.
About Solar power generator for camping
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